From DC: Take Action on HUD's LGBTQ+ Proposal, New Medicare Savings Bill, and more

June 26, 2026

From DC is Justice in Aging's weekly roundup of national news and resources about issues impacting older adults. To receive From DC in your inbox as soon as its published, sign up for our mailing list.

Here’s what we’re watching in Washington:

Submit Comments Opposing HUD’s Proposal to Roll Back LGBTQ+ Protections

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently issued a proposed rule to weaken the agency’s Equal Access regulations, which ensure equal access to HUD programs for LGBTQ+ individuals. Among other changes, HUD’s proposal seeks to remove references to “gender identity” throughout HUD’s regulations, and it would require shelters to exclude transgender people from single-sex facilities that match their gender identity.

Comments on HUD’s proposed rule are due on Monday, June 29, 2026. See our alert for more information and resources, including Justice in Aging’s template comments for aging and disability organizations.

New Bill to Expand Help with Medicare Costs

On Thursday, a group of 15 Senate Democrats introduced the Medicare Cost Cap Act. This bill would add an out-of-pocket cap to Original Medicare, guaranteeing that everyone with Medicare would have protection from catastrophic costs and leveling the playing field between Original Medicare and private Medicare Advantage plans.

This legislation would also help more low-income older adults with Medicare premiums and cost-sharing. It would expand and align eligibility for the Medicare Savings Programs and Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS or Extra Help) by eliminating asset tests and raising the income limit for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program and LIS to 200% of the federal poverty line. In addition to making more older adults living on fixed incomes eligible for financial assistance, this bill would also eliminate administrative barriers that keep eligible people from enrolling.

Justice in Aging is proud to endorse this legislation, which would bring much-needed relief from Medicare costs to more people.

Read more about the Medicare Cost Cap Act. Advocates can also learn what steps states can take now to help eligible people enroll in QMB and other assistance in Justice in Aging's issue brief: Final Rule to Streamline Enrollment in Medicare Savings Programs.